GoKawiilThe Air lands as one of the most affordable devices in Google’s tracker lineup. It’s sleeker and more comfortable than its predecessors, while remaining equally approachable for elite athletes and anyone trying to foster healthier habits. The most obvious advantage is weight. Google says it’s 20 percent lighter than the discontinued Luxe, and compared to bulkier competitors like Whoop’s latest bands—which weigh closer to 27 grams—the 12-gram Air is almost imperceptible on my slim wrist.
The inevitable comparison here is Whoop, but Fitbit’s advantage isn’t only weight. I’ve found Whoop’s attachment system maddening, with metal clasp pegs that loosen, detach, or occasionally pop open while adjusting the fit. The Air is much simpler. The sensor stays put, the band snaps into place without any fiddling, and swapping straps takes seconds. Most importantly, I never worried that the tracker might fall off somewhere during the day.
Photograph: Boutayna Chokrane
The Air ships with the default Performance Loop Band, a lightweight woven strap made from recycled materials with a micro-adjustable Velcro closure. It’s soft and breathable. For an additional $30, you can opt for the special-edition band designed in collaboration with NBA champion Stephen Curry, who is also a performance adviser for Google's AI Health Coach. Google also sells an Active Band separately, a sweatproof silicone strap for workouts that is easy to wipe down, and the Elevated Modern Band, which gives the Air a jewelry aesthetic. I found all of them comfortable, but I ended up using the Performance Loop most days. The Air is meant to stay on all day, adapting to your life rather than being constantly taken off or on.
You can wear a smartwatch with a screen alongside the Fitbit Air or switch between them without disrupting your data history, but the caveat is that the smartwatch needs to be the Google Pixel Watch, at least for now. Google says broader compatibility with other watches will come later. The nice thing is you can enjoy your fancy mechanical watch collection and wear the Fitbit Air on the other hand, with no one the wiser that you're wearing a fitness tracker.